Campers and visitors to Queensland's many protected areas have been urged to heed some simple messages to help ensure they and people around them have a safe and happy Christmas holiday.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said that following the "12 Rules of Camping" will assist campers enjoy their holiday, and keep Queensland national parks and forests beautiful for future generations to enjoy.

"From the western desert areas to the eastern seaboard, the New South Wales border to the tip of Cape York, Queensland is fortunate to have an array of spectacular national parks and protected areas as popular holiday and recreation destinations," Mr McNamara said.

"They can provide something for just about everyone with a range of affordable and enjoyable recreation opportunities, including camping, bushwalking, picnicking and commercial tourism activities.

"But as with any holiday destination, doing a little homework to plan your visit and fnd out what you can and cannot do will help ensure the experience is a memorable one.

"By following these few simple messages, we hope everyone visiting protected areas throughout Queensland will return home safe, happy and relaxed:

1. Book your campsite - online at epa.qld.gov.au/camping or by phoning 13 13 04 as onsite, self registration is not available at most camping spots; 2. Book early to ensure a spot and avoid disappointment; 3. Check if there are fire restrictions, and if so, don't light a fire; 4. If you're taking children camping, make sure you know where they are at all times, particularly when they're swimming; 5. Secure your food to prevent wildlife being attracted to it, and don't feed any wildlife if they come near; 6. If you're going for a bush walk make sure you tell people where you're going and stick to the tracks; 7. If you get lost sit tight until someone comes; 8. Go slow on the water if in designated turtle and dugong areas. It's a $300 on-the-spot fine if you're caught speeding; 9. If you're taking a 4WD, stick to speed limits out of respect for fellow campers and wildlife; 10. Check condition reports on the EPA website (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au), including fire and 4WDing restrictions; 11. Take your litter with you when you go; and 12. Just because you're in the wild doesn't mean you can go wild yourself - antisocial laws still apply so respect the environment and the rights of others."

Mr McNamara said more information about camping and visiting Queensland's protected areas was available on http://www.epa.qld.gov.au.

Campers and visitors to Queensland's many protected areas have been urged to heed some simple messages to help ensure they and people around them have a safe and happy Christmas holiday.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said that following the "12 Rules of Camping" will assist campers enjoy their holiday, and keep Queensland national parks and forests beautiful for future generations to enjoy.

"From the western desert areas to the eastern seaboard, the New South Wales border to the tip of Cape York, Queensland is fortunate to have an array of spectacular national parks and protected areas as popular holiday and recreation destinations," Mr McNamara said.

"They can provide something for just about everyone with a range of affordable and enjoyable recreation opportunities, including camping, bushwalking, picnicking and commercial tourism activities.

"But as with any holiday destination, doing a little homework to plan your visit and fnd out what you can and cannot do will help ensure the experience is a memorable one.

"By following these few simple messages, we hope everyone visiting protected areas throughout Queensland will return home safe, happy and relaxed:

1. Book your campsite - online at epa.qld.gov.au/camping or by phoning 13 13 04 as onsite, self registration is not available at most camping spots; 2. Book early to ensure a spot and avoid disappointment; 3. Check if there are fire restrictions, and if so, don't light a fire; 4. If you're taking children camping, make sure you know where they are at all times, particularly when they're swimming; 5. Secure your food to prevent wildlife being attracted to it, and don't feed any wildlife if they come near; 6. If you're going for a bush walk make sure you tell people where you're going and stick to the tracks; 7. If you get lost sit tight until someone comes; 8. Go slow on the water if in designated turtle and dugong areas. It's a $300 on-the-spot fine if you're caught speeding; 9. If you're taking a 4WD, stick to speed limits out of respect for fellow campers and wildlife; 10. Check condition reports on the EPA website (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au), including fire and 4WDing restrictions; 11. Take your litter with you when you go; and 12. Just because you're in the wild doesn't mean you can go wild yourself - antisocial laws still apply so respect the environment and the rights of others."

Mr McNamara said more information about camping and visiting Queensland's protected areas was available on http://www.epa.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002

And I wonder how long it is since the The Honourable Andrew McNamara went camping....